30 Seconds is a fast-paced party game where you try to get your team to guess as many words as possible in (you guessed it) 30 seconds! Here's how to play:
1. Team Formation
- Divide players into two or more teams, typically with 2-4 players per team.
2. Game Components
You'll need:
- The 30 Seconds game board
- A timer (usually 30 seconds, often included with the game)
- Category cards (each card contains five words/phrases)
- Playing pieces (one for each team)
3. Gameplay
The core of the game involves one player on a team describing the words on a card to their teammates, who try to guess them correctly. Here's the process:
- Choose a Describer: One player from the active team becomes the describer for that round.
- Draw a Card: The describer draws a card and keeps it hidden from the other team.
- Start the Timer: Start the 30-second timer.
- Describe the Words: The describer tries to get their teammates to guess the five words/phrases on the card by giving clues.
- Allowed: Describing words, giving definitions, saying "sounds like," etc.
- Not Allowed: Saying the word itself, using rhyming words, or giving "obvious" parts of the word/phrase (e.g., if the word is "Football Stadium," you can't say "football").
- Teammates Guess: The describer's teammates shout out their guesses. If they guess a word correctly, move on to the next word on the card.
- Time's Up! When the timer runs out, stop guessing.
- Move on the Board: Count the number of correctly guessed words. Move your team's playing piece that many spaces forward on the game board.
- Next Team's Turn: The other team takes their turn, following the same process.
4. Winning the Game
The first team to reach the end of the game board wins!
5. Important Tips for Describers
- Start with the easiest words: If you're struggling with a word, move on to an easier one and come back to it later if you have time.
- Give clear and concise clues: Avoid long, rambling descriptions.
- Vary your clues: If your team is stuck, try a different approach.
- Don't panic: Keep calm and focus on describing the words as clearly as possible.
6. House Rules (Optional)
You can customize the game with house rules, such as:
- Penalty for skipping: Deduct points for skipped words.
- Charades option: Allow describers to act out clues.
- Category selection: Allow the describing team to choose the category on the card.
Enjoy playing 30 Seconds!
